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Selenium status in soils in Yugoslavia
1Faculty of Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
Summary
Selenium (Se) levels in Yugoslavian soils vary widely, with many agricultural areas having inadequate amounts. This highlights the need for comprehensive geochemical mapping of soil selenium.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Soil Science
Background:
- Recent data on selenium (Se) content and distribution in Yugoslavian soils (Serbia and Montenegro) have become available over the past 8 years.
- Soil Se concentrations in Yugoslavia range broadly from 39 to 440 microg/kg, with a mean of 230 microg/kg across 284 samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the selenium content and distribution in Yugoslavian soils.
- To investigate the relationship between soil properties and Se content.
- To discuss the implications of Se levels for agriculture and health.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of total Se content in soil samples.
- Extraction of available Se using ammonium acetate and EDTA.
- Speciation of Se in soils derived from volcanic rocks.
- Correlation analysis with soil properties, rocks, sediments, and wild plants.
Main Results:
- Soil Se content varies significantly (39-440 microg/kg), with clay fractions showing higher concentrations than sand and silt.
- Available Se constitutes 1.2% to 28.2% of total Se.
- Inadequate Se levels are prevalent in many agricultural regions of Yugoslavia.
- Se content in rocks, sediments, and wild plants was also examined.
Conclusions:
- Yugoslavian soils exhibit a wide range of selenium concentrations, with notable deficiencies in agricultural areas.
- Low soil Se may be linked to increased disease incidence, emphasizing the need for further research.
- A systematic geochemical mapping of Se and other trace elements in Yugoslavian soils is crucial.